Tricks for getting your home ready for summer (and hotter temperatures)
Temperatures are rising and the summer is here. Now that we’ve trudged through the cold of winter and the allergies of spring, it is time to kick back and enjoy the sunshine. Just make sure you are staying safe in the heat and maximizing efficiency by preparing your home.
I’m sure there are many other things you’d like to spend your money on other than utility bills. That’s why there are things you can do in your home to make sure that you minimize air leaks, maximize efficiency and wind up paying less money at the end of each month.
Here are some things you should do to prep your home for summer.
Change your furnace filter. A clean air filter means better air flow. And, better air flow means better efficiency.
Add window treatments for hotter days. There’s no use running the air conditioner if you’re just going to bake in the sunlight streaming in your south-facing windows. This is an initial investment that could have big comfort pay offs.
Plug air leaks around windows and doors. Fresh air can be great…during the spring and fall in small doses. Small air leaks can have big repercussions at the end of the month. Use caulk or weather stripping to make sure that all air leaks are plugged.
Remove debris from your condenser. Chances are, you’ve already had to use your air conditioner. So, make sure you turn your air conditioner off at the source before you remove any debris. Better yet, have a contractor come out and professionally clean your unit.
Decide at what temperature to set your thermostat. And stick to it! There’s no better way to raise utility bills than constantly fiddling with your thermostat.
Invest in other cooking methods. An oven can really raise the temperature of your kitchen. And, if your thermostat is located near the kitchen, this can result in your system running when it shouldn’t be. Crock pots and grills are great alternatives.
Replace light fixtures with ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can be great for air circulation. This is a particularly good idea for bedrooms.
Utilize shade. Shade your south-facing rooms, your air conditioner or heat pump condenser, and any outdoor living spaces. It’s gearing up to be a hot one and utilizing shade can make all the difference.
If it’s just looking like your air conditioner needs an upgrade, make sure you talk to your local heating and cooling contractor. They can also give you cooling advice to make your summer the best it can possibly be.
What would you add to this list? Do you have something you always do to get your home ready for summer?